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Post by desertbikes on Nov 27, 2020 1:21:08 GMT -7
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Post by tomcat65 on Nov 27, 2020 8:20:41 GMT -7
Freewheel bikes, 1 1/18 straight steerer tube headsets.
The full suspension has a steel rear frame, and the carbon fiber bike is around 32lb.
I'm not knocking these bikes, but the other forum was full of these 3. The KevCentral videos were clear about them, they're still WalMart bikes. My pick of the 3, The Hyper Explorer hardtail, then the Carbon X 29'er. The Explorer hardtail is a slightly smaller frame than the Schwinn Boundary, Taff, Santis, and a Full size or 2 smaller than the Axum.
The Hyper Explorer hardtail is begging for a freehub wheelset and a good clutch drivetrain upgrade. Hydraulic brakes and tires would make it a really nice handling trail runner. Suspension forks are limited by the 1 1/8 steerer tube, but the Epixon is still available. A lightweight crankset would bring it closer to XC lightweight along with other lightweight components.
The red full suspension 29'er is not a bad bike. I saw one built up and it was a nice bike, capable.. The Carbon X 29'er has much potential too!
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Post by desertbikes on Nov 27, 2020 8:43:25 GMT -7
Hey Tom - You're saying these are 9 speed freewheel hubs? Most disappointing if that's the case. I looked about a year ago & they were rare & and much or more than cassettes. Hard to understand from a production standpoint why they'd continue freewheels. Guess they don't want to change the wheel making machines. But, yeah, the upgrade is cheaper if the budget minded don't want to change the shifters, cables, etc. 1 x 9 is really the best setup for most riders & keeps the weight down. Not everyone wants strip a bike to the frame for upgrades  |
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Post by tomcat65 on Dec 1, 2020 6:14:55 GMT -7
1x9 is Entirely adequate for trail riding. I've been running a 1x9 Microshift Advent set-up on my Schwinn Ascension for well over a year now, maybe over 2 years? No problems, shifts as clean and as easily as the SLX 11 speed on my carbon fiber China Bike. There Is a difference, but the difference is not so much that a person could really snob one over the other. The Microshift Advent shifts fine and it doesn't drop the chain. The SLX the same, but the SLX is almost silent compared. Could be the difference in the al frame vs. cf. Anyway, the rear derailleurs on the new WalMart bikes are weak and had problems with reliability. I always recommend the Advent 9 speed to replace the shifter and derailleur. $85 for the set, it's hard to beat. It works with the freewheel until you can get a cassette/freehub wheelset. The biggest plus, is that rear derailleur has a clutch. One thing you HAVE to watch when ordering, is that they offer a rear derailleur without a clutch for 2x and 3x set-ups where chain drop isn't as much of a problem. The clutch is an adjustable tension ratchet that holds the chain tight, much tighter than a spring tension derailleur.. So there's much less chance of chain drop. The only kick in the pants, is that Microshift Advent is exclusive, and must be run as a set. The pull ratios on shifter and derailleur are different than other 9 speed set-ups. Still the shifter, cassette, and the clutch rear derailleur is less than $150 fro Ebay sellers like 365cycles.  BUT WAIT!! THERE'S MORE! If you have a 7 speed freewheel, or an 8 speed, Microshift offers an 8 speed shifter for the Advent derailleur. The same $85 will upgrade your 1x7 or 1x8 drivetrain, the clutch will work with 2x7 and 2x8 on BBB's as well. It's not as squeaky clean with 7 speed, but it works. I learned the hard way, that there's a slight difference in the spacing between gears on 7 vs. 8 speed cassettes and freewheels - but it's so slight that it does still work. It will only drive you crazy if you're obsessive about running silent like I am.. OCD is a terrible thing to waste  MORE!! Believe it or not, lol.. there are 10 speed freewheels out there. Microshift has that covered too! Advent X is the 10 speed version. It's relatively new compared, so it's a little more expensive. Right around $100 for shifter and derailleur, it's still more budget friendly than most high dollar brands. There are other brands, BOX offers at least one 9 speed set-up with a clutch. LT Woo is available for the Ali-X crowd.. though I'm not sure if they still offer 9 speed.. There was an excommunication from our Ali-X priest a few years ago. ALL of the Ebay and Ali-X, China made, 9 speed, wide range cassettes work with the Microshift Advent, so there's that.. But as far as weight savings, my Shimano SLX 11 speed, 11-46 set is only 61grams, 2.15oz heavier than the Microshift Advent 9 speed 11-42. The difference is negligible, but until someone offers a lightweight, 9 speed, wide range cassette, the all steel 9 speed Microshift 42t cassette (and the China made 9speed cassettes) will keep it firmly in a middle weight division. As far as I know, the lightest drivetrain out there, was a SRAM Eagle wireless set-up. For a couple thousand dollars, you could get a 12 or 13 speed set, that you have to keep charged, and save less than 1lb in drivetrain between the cassette and other components in the set.  Of course, the 2 out of 3 rule will always apply: Light Strong Cheap You may choose only 2, you can't have all 3. As always YMMV  |
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Post by desertbikes on Dec 2, 2020 18:04:21 GMT -7
Great info, Mr Cat! Was never a Microshift guy but looks like they've improved the line. And to be fare to the freewheel, it worked fine for decades & still does. What gets them the bad rap on bike forums & videos sites isn't the quality of the system. It's the fact the the more accessible mulitspeed bikes became to big box/department store masses, the more fat people had a chance to break the rear axle. Add to that the marketing mislabeling of "mountain bikes". Freewheels weren't designed with 6' drops in mind. Put the two together & it's a recipe for broken rear axles. Evidently not to the point that warranty claims or law suits have forced a change in the lower-end bike industry. But what the heck. Keep 'em cheap & keep 'em riding.  |
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A bit warm. yes. Had to do another 2100 mile round trip on short notice. My back was/is in a real bad way & came home to a dead AC unit. Other than that its been just peachy! 
It's interfering with my bike & shooting time